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Did you know over half of the non-profits in Ontario have no paid staff and are run solely by the efforts of volunteers?

Volunteer Toronto’s Trailblazer Series are leadership talks specifically designed with volunteer-run non-profits in mind. You’ll hear from experts and leaders of volunteer-run organizations as they share their experiences, saving you the trouble of reinventing the wheel!

Each session will focus on a common challenge small non-profits face and will feature guest speakers from the sector.

Whether you’re an incorporated non-profit or a group of people focused on making a change, we welcome you to join us at one of our upcoming sessions.

It’s completely free to attend, and anyone who leads or manages a volunteer-run non-profit in the city is welcome.

Upcoming Sessions:

Join us for a panel discussion exploring fundraising options for grassroots groups like yours! Learn about funding opportunities, proposal tips and get a better understanding of what funders are looking for from small and volunteer-run organizations. Join grassroots leaders and sector experts for an engaging learning and networking opportunity.

Past Sessions:

Engaging The Media

Tuesday, December 2nd 2014 at 6:30 pm

As an up and coming non-profit, it can be difficult to get your organization’s name out there and raise awareness for the great work your organization does.

Hear from the founders of ReadUP and The Sh*T Starts Here, as they share what they did to get major news publications to cover their organizations’ work.

Overcoming Founders' FatigueWednesday, January 14th 2015 at 6.30 pm
Running your own non-profit organization is rewarding but can sometimes feel like an uphill struggle. Founders' Fatigue is a term used to describe the burnout that founders and leaders of non-profits sometimes face when struggling to balance the many responsibilities of running their own non-profit with a pool of limited resources.

Hear from the founders of TEDxToronto, One Voice One Team and Women in Toronto Politics, as they share how they overcome Founders' Fatigue.

Recruiting and Retaining The Right VolunteersTuesday, February 3rd 2015 at 6:30 pm

Many volunteer-run organizations face an ongoing need to recruit new volunteers. However, recruitment is only half the battle. The knowledge of experienced volunteers is an important asset for an organization and keeping volunteers engaged once they've come onboard can be just as tricky.

Hear from Volunteer Toronto and two leaders of volunteer-run organizations, as they share what they do to find the right people for their roles and keep them motivated.

Fundraising for Grassroots GroupsTuesday, March 3rd 2015 at 6:30 pmFunding is always a hot topic for non-profit organizations. But groups that have no paid members of staff and may or may not be registered as a non-profit or a charity, often face massive barriers when it comes to raising the necessary funds to further their cause. So what options are there for raising money and what does one need to do to be successful?

Hear invaluable tips from Janice Moro, a seasoned fundraising professional, as she shares what possibilities exist for organizations regardless of size or incorporation status. Also you'll have the opportunity to hear about a fundraising source for organizations with a green focus.

Resolving Conflict Like A ProMonday, June 22nd 2015 at 6:00 pmConflict is inevitable when people come together to achieve a goal. This practical workshop facilitated by an experienced trainer from St. Stephen’s Community House will provide an array of tools and techniques to enhance your competence in negotiating and resolving conflicts.

Volunteer-Led Social Media In ActionWednesday, July 15th 2015 at 6.30 pmSocial media can be a useful tool...if you know how to use it! This workshop will provide a unique opportunity to hear from grassroots organizations who have had their volunteers use social media to their advantage. Listen firsthand to what has worked, and what hasn't, share experiences and network.

Finding and Keeping Great Board MembersTuesday, August 11th 2015 at 6.30 pm

Board members are instrumental in the smooth running of a volunteer-led non-profit so it's essential to find the right people for the roles. And once you have them, what's the best way to keep them energized and engaged?

Great Leaders Ask The Right QuestionsTuesday, November 24th 2015 at 6:30 pm

Increasing Diversity and Inclusion In Your OrganizationThursday, January 28th 2016 at 6:30 pmThis interactive workshop will focus on practical strategies for recruiting and retaining diverse people within your organization.

How to Measure Your Organization's Social ImpactThursday, February 18th 2016 at 6:30pm
How can you tell how much of a difference your organization is making? How can you communicate that to your team, potential funders, and the public? Learn all about social impact measurement tools at this session.